. >>> chuck hagel is one step closer to becoming the next secretary of defense. voted 14-11 along party lines to send the nomination to the full senate. that full senate vote could happen later on this week. hagel faces opposition from some fellow republicans over his past positions on israel, iran, and nuclear weapons. >>> we also learned tonight that once the pope retires, he will retire to his summer home near rome. there are still some questions unanswered tonight. first, how will catholics address benedict after he retires? also, what happens to the ring? the ring is usually destroyed when a pope dies. the pope hasn't retired in 600 years. so, the church is entering somewhat unchartered territory. >>> tomorrow is ash wednesday. the start of lent. that means mardi gras and of course, new orleans. a live look where the party officially ended ten minutes ago. >> cbs reporter is in the french quarter right now. what's -- it is still cooking behind you it looks like. >> yeah, it certainly is. hard to tell that mardi gras is officially over. actually, we are takin